A TEENAGER found dead in the River Itchen had leapt off a boat into the water as police tried to handcuff him, an inquest jury has been told.

Marcel Wochna's body was found in the River Itchen near Smiths Quay on the afternoon of November 9, 2021. 

Winchester Coroner's Court was told today that the 15-year-old had been with a friend on the evening of November 7 when they had gone out to smoke cannabis. 

Speaking at the inquest into Marcel's death, the friend, who cannot be identified due to his age, said the pair had walked to Cobden Bridge that evening. 

He said they then boarded a wooden boat, crossed the river and after dismounting, went on to the marina where other boats were. 

The teenager said they "were just having a laugh" and that they were curious to see what (was) in (the boats)". 

The friend said they saw people standing on a balcony on the phone and decided to sit down as they "didn't want anyone to see us".

But after seeing flashlights and feeling the boat "rocking", Marcel told his friend: "If that is feds I'm going to have to jump in and get away."

The boy said he then saw police "screaming," with one of two officers grabbing him under his arms and pulling him off the boat.

Marcel remained on the boat, the friend said, while an officer "grabbed" his arm. 

A jury heard how the officer was asking Marcel to put his hand behind his back so he could handcuff him.

But he said "I can't let my mum see me like this again" and refused to cooperate. 

His friend told the inquest Marcel was grounded at the time and they had both snuck out.

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Giving evidence today, the teenager added: "He leapt into the water. I just remember splashing and a massive gasp.

"I just remember (the police) walking me out, both of the officers after that."

He added that he could see Marcel's head "bobbing up and down about five metres away before being taken to a police car and searched."

He could not turn to see Marcel after this though and just heard splashing. 

"As soon as I heard the splash it was a gasp of shock of how cold the water was," he told the inquest.

Police then called for more officers. The incident took place at the marina at Cobden Bridge on the evening of November 7, 2021. 

Marcel's body was discovered further up the river more than 24 hours later and was identified by his mother. He lived at home with his mother in Northcote Road, Southampton.

A pathologist later concluded that Marcel had drowned and an inquest was opened on November 24, 2021. 

The inquest is due to last for seven days at Winchester Coroner's Court.